Mount Tai
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
A symbol of the Chinese Spirit and the royal object of worship, Mount Tai has many spectacular scenic and historic sites.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Mount Tai
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
57 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
1,699 reviews
Excellent
847
Very good
662
Average
170
Poor
13
Terrible
7
ROCruiser
Claremont, CA4,569 contributions
Sept 2019
Growing up learning so much about Mount Tai and now we had a chance to actually see it in person. What a wonder it is! Our hotel was really close to the entrance to the mountain when we were they on a private tour. Everything was taken care of by our guide, all we had to do was follow him. We took the shuttle up to the cable car station and then up on the cable car ride to the top. There was no way that we could do what most locals did, climb up on the stairway. I believe most of them did it almost religiously as a way to show their respects. The only disappointment for me was the crowds. There were just way too many people there making the whole place chaotic and dirty.
Written May 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amr Sobhi
Cairo, Egypt157 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
Scaling the iconic Tai'an Mountain was the highlight of my time in the Shandong province. The journey up the mountain's 6,000+ steps was a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience. The scenery along the way is simply awe-inspiring - towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and stunning views that stretch out for miles.
While the climb can be strenuous, there are cable cars available to transport visitors part of the way, making it accessible for travelers of various fitness levels. Once at the summit, I was greeted with a profound sense of accomplishment and an unparalleled panorama of the surrounding landscapes. The grand Dai Temple complex at the top is also well worth exploring, with its intricate architecture and historical significance.
While the climb can be strenuous, there are cable cars available to transport visitors part of the way, making it accessible for travelers of various fitness levels. Once at the summit, I was greeted with a profound sense of accomplishment and an unparalleled panorama of the surrounding landscapes. The grand Dai Temple complex at the top is also well worth exploring, with its intricate architecture and historical significance.
Written August 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SoozSolo
Brisbane, Australia874 contributions
Oct 2014 • Solo
The holiest and most-visited of China’s five Taoist mountains; from foot to peak, there’s a few routes you can take to climb Tai Shan (Shan meaning Mountain), but the most popular, and “special way” favoured by Emperors, is the Red Gate/Hongmen route (also known as the Imperial route) which comprises 7,000-plus stairs (and is that with the most cultural relics).
It is often written/suggested that this route start at the Dai Temple, which is south of the mountain, about a 30-40min walk from the Daizong Archway (which is the recognised starting point of the actual climb), then about another 20 mins after that to reach the ticketing square – from where time to walk the mountain is measured. As the temple dedicated to the mountain, Dai is definitely worth a visit (30rmb), but deserves at least an hour, if not two, of your time – so either make it a separate outing, or allow for an additional three hours thereabouts (2 to visit / then 1 to walk to the actual start of the mountain), on top of what you allocate to climb.
Tai Shan is open 24hours and you can ascend or descend her any time of the day or night (with a torch and appropriate warm clothing), and you won’t be alone! In terms of access and direction, even if you’re solo (so to speak, because hundreds will be climbing alongside you), it is well marked and there is no need for a tour guide. There’s not really much info about the temples or gates along the way, so some research ahead of time will greatly improve the enjoyment of these.
You will see Chinese hiking in heels, stockings, sequins, and a full-face of makeup, but I found a good pair of walking shoes a necessity – the steps are “precipitous” (as the signs declare), and if wet, dangerously slippery. A fairly respectable level of fitness is required, but if you follow the Chinese lead and do it slow – like the kids, or the parents carrying kids, or grandparents – it’s possible, it seems, for anyone. Note: some of them take days though, so if you want to climb bottom-to-top in the oft-cited 3-6 hour bracket, you’ll need to be accustomed to some strenuous climbing.
There are toilets along the route (just look for the signs), but pack tissue and hand sanitiser. Plenty of stops along the way to buy water (& hot beer) and snacks (Snickers, corn, apples, pears, cucumbers, Tai’an Pancakes, and the occasional packet of peanuts) – with greater choices at the half-way point (Middle Gate to Heaven) and summit.
Most Chinese make the pilgrimage for sunrise, either having stayed overnight on the top (there are hotels, limited & expensive), or start their ascent at about 1am. There’s also the option to carry gear and camp. It seems you just find a spot and set up and there doesn’t appear to be any additional charge for this.
Equally as magnificent as the more popular dawn, is the sunset, and having climbed twice, was my preference. Descending, I tend to look down to be sure of my footing. Ascending in the daylight gives a better chance to look around and really take-in the spectacular vistas this climb affords … and descending by torchlight, you don’t mind so much keeping your eyes on your feet.
The descent, done reasonably rigorously, takes about three hours and is pretty tough going on the knees. If you’re even a little concerned about their weakness, it’s worth packing a strap or compression bandage. Walking sticks can be purchased, which almost everyone opts for, but I preferred without.
No matter how warm it is when you set out, Jade Emperor Peak is 1,532 metres or 5,029 ft, so you’ll need a jacket at the top, preferably all-weather in case of rain. But, there are places to buy a sweater or rent a military-style coat if you forget. It took nine hours to climb up and down, which included two hours on the summit, a stop for lunch and dinner respectively, some rests along the way, and many a photo-by-request with Chinese (I saw no other Westerners). If you want to spend time in the temples, you may need to allow longer; and if you’re just necking it like an ace-athlete, you’ll probably be quicker.
If you plan to use the cable car (from the half-way point – which you can access by bus or taxi), remember it is weather-dependent and can close at any time. Be prepared, if you’re on the summit and this happens, you will have to make your way down by foot or Chinese sedan chair (aka Litter). If the cable car is running to its regular service, the first car up starts after sunrise and the last down departs before sunset. Queues can be ridiculously long.
If climbing, rather than going by cable car, don’t let crowds deter you. This mountain seems to be the one favoured by young Chinese, so there’s a real revelry and party-like atmosphere that is a joy to be amongst. I climbed October’s Golden Week National Day holiday (the peak time to avoid supposedly) and it was like the Chinese equivalent of Spring Break or Schoolies, sans alcohol. So much fun.
It’s not the most beautiful or spectacular of the mountains you can climb in China, but legend has it if you summit Tai Shan you will live 100 years – generous compensation for seven thousand or so stairs I reckon.
It is often written/suggested that this route start at the Dai Temple, which is south of the mountain, about a 30-40min walk from the Daizong Archway (which is the recognised starting point of the actual climb), then about another 20 mins after that to reach the ticketing square – from where time to walk the mountain is measured. As the temple dedicated to the mountain, Dai is definitely worth a visit (30rmb), but deserves at least an hour, if not two, of your time – so either make it a separate outing, or allow for an additional three hours thereabouts (2 to visit / then 1 to walk to the actual start of the mountain), on top of what you allocate to climb.
Tai Shan is open 24hours and you can ascend or descend her any time of the day or night (with a torch and appropriate warm clothing), and you won’t be alone! In terms of access and direction, even if you’re solo (so to speak, because hundreds will be climbing alongside you), it is well marked and there is no need for a tour guide. There’s not really much info about the temples or gates along the way, so some research ahead of time will greatly improve the enjoyment of these.
You will see Chinese hiking in heels, stockings, sequins, and a full-face of makeup, but I found a good pair of walking shoes a necessity – the steps are “precipitous” (as the signs declare), and if wet, dangerously slippery. A fairly respectable level of fitness is required, but if you follow the Chinese lead and do it slow – like the kids, or the parents carrying kids, or grandparents – it’s possible, it seems, for anyone. Note: some of them take days though, so if you want to climb bottom-to-top in the oft-cited 3-6 hour bracket, you’ll need to be accustomed to some strenuous climbing.
There are toilets along the route (just look for the signs), but pack tissue and hand sanitiser. Plenty of stops along the way to buy water (& hot beer) and snacks (Snickers, corn, apples, pears, cucumbers, Tai’an Pancakes, and the occasional packet of peanuts) – with greater choices at the half-way point (Middle Gate to Heaven) and summit.
Most Chinese make the pilgrimage for sunrise, either having stayed overnight on the top (there are hotels, limited & expensive), or start their ascent at about 1am. There’s also the option to carry gear and camp. It seems you just find a spot and set up and there doesn’t appear to be any additional charge for this.
Equally as magnificent as the more popular dawn, is the sunset, and having climbed twice, was my preference. Descending, I tend to look down to be sure of my footing. Ascending in the daylight gives a better chance to look around and really take-in the spectacular vistas this climb affords … and descending by torchlight, you don’t mind so much keeping your eyes on your feet.
The descent, done reasonably rigorously, takes about three hours and is pretty tough going on the knees. If you’re even a little concerned about their weakness, it’s worth packing a strap or compression bandage. Walking sticks can be purchased, which almost everyone opts for, but I preferred without.
No matter how warm it is when you set out, Jade Emperor Peak is 1,532 metres or 5,029 ft, so you’ll need a jacket at the top, preferably all-weather in case of rain. But, there are places to buy a sweater or rent a military-style coat if you forget. It took nine hours to climb up and down, which included two hours on the summit, a stop for lunch and dinner respectively, some rests along the way, and many a photo-by-request with Chinese (I saw no other Westerners). If you want to spend time in the temples, you may need to allow longer; and if you’re just necking it like an ace-athlete, you’ll probably be quicker.
If you plan to use the cable car (from the half-way point – which you can access by bus or taxi), remember it is weather-dependent and can close at any time. Be prepared, if you’re on the summit and this happens, you will have to make your way down by foot or Chinese sedan chair (aka Litter). If the cable car is running to its regular service, the first car up starts after sunrise and the last down departs before sunset. Queues can be ridiculously long.
If climbing, rather than going by cable car, don’t let crowds deter you. This mountain seems to be the one favoured by young Chinese, so there’s a real revelry and party-like atmosphere that is a joy to be amongst. I climbed October’s Golden Week National Day holiday (the peak time to avoid supposedly) and it was like the Chinese equivalent of Spring Break or Schoolies, sans alcohol. So much fun.
It’s not the most beautiful or spectacular of the mountains you can climb in China, but legend has it if you summit Tai Shan you will live 100 years – generous compensation for seven thousand or so stairs I reckon.
Written December 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TMR1004
Valley Forge, PA392 contributions
Sept 2016 • Solo
Taishan
Mount Tai (Taishan) is the greatest of China’s Five Great Mountains. It is the most important mountain in Chinese history, and the most climbed mountain in the world. Religious worship has been a part of Taishan’s history dating back 3,000 years. There are 22 temples, 97 ruins, and 815 stone tablets on the mountain’s cliffside. They are associated with Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Taishan is the great mountain of the east and is associated with birth, sunrise, and renewal. For this reason, many people hike the mountain at night with the goal of watching the sunrise from the summit. Thousands of people climb the mountain each day. If you want solitude and serenity, this hike is not for you. But if you are looking for one of the most unique climbs you will ever do, I highly recommend it. I started at 8 am and literally saw thousands of other people climbing. All but a few were Asians. If you want to get away from tourist zones and immerse yourself with the people of China, this is a great way to do it. Hiking with so many others may not sound like fun, but I loved it. I was surrounded by people of all ages, from little kids to octogenarians. There were a lot of people, but everyone was very friendly, polite, and most looked like they were enjoying themselves. I highly recommend this hike, not only as a climb, but as a fascinating cultural experience.
Options – There is a road that goes approximately halfway up the climb to the “Halfway Gate to Heaven”. You can be dropped off or picked up there, reducing either the ascent or descent by about half. There is also a cable car that starts at this halfway mark and can take you to the South Gate to Heaven. From there, it is a relatively easy 15 minute walk to the highest point on the mountain, Jade Emperor Peak. Again, this gives you options for either climbing or descending. Of course, some people choose to use both the road and the cable car each way, making enjoying the views from the top almost effortless. If this is your preference, or necessity, I think it is still a worthwhile experience, but my recommendation would be to try to hike some portions of the trail. Many of the most interesting sights can only be seen on the journey toward the summit. However you choose to get to the summit, your hotel can provide you with the necessary information. 6 million people a year visit Mt. Tai. The hotels, taxi drivers, etc. are prepared and ready to assist you.
Trailhead – Although there are several paths leading to the summit, the classic “trail” starts from the Taishan Arch (Red Gate). It is a 15 minute cab or bus ride from Taian. Taian is the gateway to Mt. Tai. It is a fairly large city with all the amenities that you will need. Taian is also a convenient 2 hour bullet train ride from Beijing. Every hotel and taxi driver in Taian knows where the Red Gate is and assist in getting you to the trailhead, the halfway point by bus or taxi and can give you information on the cable car.
Trail distance – 4 miles one way
Vertical elevation – The elevation at the Red Gate is 920 ft. the summit, Jade Emperor Peak, is 5,029 ft. You will climb 4,110 vertical feet. There are no ups and downs on this trail – just straight up.
Guide – A guide is definitely not necessary to follow the trail.
Trail – The “trail” is a fairly wide paved stone path with 6,666 steps. The first half is not as difficult as the second half because it usually has 10-20 steps and then a short section that is at a mild incline, giving your legs a brief rest. The second half is mostly climbing straight up on the stairs. In numerous places these stairs are steep. Pace yourself.
Difficulty – this is not an easy hike. But it is doable for most people in reasonably good hiking condition. The key is to find the pace that you can maintain comfortably. If you think your pace may be too fast, it probably is, slow down. You will enjoy yourself more and have a much greater probability of reaching the summit of China’s most sacred mountain.
Food and water – There are people and shops selling both, as well as souvenirs every 100 meters or so all the way to the top. This helps to keep your pack weight low and makes the climbing easier.
Gear – It can be cold, especially if its windy, near the top. You can either bring some type of insulation/windbreaker or rent a Chinese Army Coat from one of the numerous small stores. I also would recommend bringing an adjustable length hiking (leki) pole. It can help you ascend and take some of the load off your knees descending. These can also be rented at the base of the mountain. Also bring enough cash. The entrance fee is 100 yuan. And it’s good to have enough extra for food, water, souvenirs, rentals, etc.
Climbing time – Of course this is always a difficult thing to say due to differences in weather, physical condition, pack weight, how often you stop to take pictures, etc. That being said, most people who walk the entire distance can summit in 3 ¼-5 hrs. The descent usually will take 1-1 ½ less than the time it took you to ascend.
Conclusion – Taishan was one of the most unique hikes I have ever done. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.
Mount Tai (Taishan) is the greatest of China’s Five Great Mountains. It is the most important mountain in Chinese history, and the most climbed mountain in the world. Religious worship has been a part of Taishan’s history dating back 3,000 years. There are 22 temples, 97 ruins, and 815 stone tablets on the mountain’s cliffside. They are associated with Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Taishan is the great mountain of the east and is associated with birth, sunrise, and renewal. For this reason, many people hike the mountain at night with the goal of watching the sunrise from the summit. Thousands of people climb the mountain each day. If you want solitude and serenity, this hike is not for you. But if you are looking for one of the most unique climbs you will ever do, I highly recommend it. I started at 8 am and literally saw thousands of other people climbing. All but a few were Asians. If you want to get away from tourist zones and immerse yourself with the people of China, this is a great way to do it. Hiking with so many others may not sound like fun, but I loved it. I was surrounded by people of all ages, from little kids to octogenarians. There were a lot of people, but everyone was very friendly, polite, and most looked like they were enjoying themselves. I highly recommend this hike, not only as a climb, but as a fascinating cultural experience.
Options – There is a road that goes approximately halfway up the climb to the “Halfway Gate to Heaven”. You can be dropped off or picked up there, reducing either the ascent or descent by about half. There is also a cable car that starts at this halfway mark and can take you to the South Gate to Heaven. From there, it is a relatively easy 15 minute walk to the highest point on the mountain, Jade Emperor Peak. Again, this gives you options for either climbing or descending. Of course, some people choose to use both the road and the cable car each way, making enjoying the views from the top almost effortless. If this is your preference, or necessity, I think it is still a worthwhile experience, but my recommendation would be to try to hike some portions of the trail. Many of the most interesting sights can only be seen on the journey toward the summit. However you choose to get to the summit, your hotel can provide you with the necessary information. 6 million people a year visit Mt. Tai. The hotels, taxi drivers, etc. are prepared and ready to assist you.
Trailhead – Although there are several paths leading to the summit, the classic “trail” starts from the Taishan Arch (Red Gate). It is a 15 minute cab or bus ride from Taian. Taian is the gateway to Mt. Tai. It is a fairly large city with all the amenities that you will need. Taian is also a convenient 2 hour bullet train ride from Beijing. Every hotel and taxi driver in Taian knows where the Red Gate is and assist in getting you to the trailhead, the halfway point by bus or taxi and can give you information on the cable car.
Trail distance – 4 miles one way
Vertical elevation – The elevation at the Red Gate is 920 ft. the summit, Jade Emperor Peak, is 5,029 ft. You will climb 4,110 vertical feet. There are no ups and downs on this trail – just straight up.
Guide – A guide is definitely not necessary to follow the trail.
Trail – The “trail” is a fairly wide paved stone path with 6,666 steps. The first half is not as difficult as the second half because it usually has 10-20 steps and then a short section that is at a mild incline, giving your legs a brief rest. The second half is mostly climbing straight up on the stairs. In numerous places these stairs are steep. Pace yourself.
Difficulty – this is not an easy hike. But it is doable for most people in reasonably good hiking condition. The key is to find the pace that you can maintain comfortably. If you think your pace may be too fast, it probably is, slow down. You will enjoy yourself more and have a much greater probability of reaching the summit of China’s most sacred mountain.
Food and water – There are people and shops selling both, as well as souvenirs every 100 meters or so all the way to the top. This helps to keep your pack weight low and makes the climbing easier.
Gear – It can be cold, especially if its windy, near the top. You can either bring some type of insulation/windbreaker or rent a Chinese Army Coat from one of the numerous small stores. I also would recommend bringing an adjustable length hiking (leki) pole. It can help you ascend and take some of the load off your knees descending. These can also be rented at the base of the mountain. Also bring enough cash. The entrance fee is 100 yuan. And it’s good to have enough extra for food, water, souvenirs, rentals, etc.
Climbing time – Of course this is always a difficult thing to say due to differences in weather, physical condition, pack weight, how often you stop to take pictures, etc. That being said, most people who walk the entire distance can summit in 3 ¼-5 hrs. The descent usually will take 1-1 ½ less than the time it took you to ascend.
Conclusion – Taishan was one of the most unique hikes I have ever done. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.
Written September 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
H888
Hong Kong, China636 contributions
Dec 2016 • Friends
Here are some updates to add to the extensive reviews below.
I visited in early December. Officially winter, but it was not too cold only about 4 degrees in daytime. Here's our trip program from Beijing to Tai'shan for a 24 visit.
Left Beijing on G163 arrived Tai'an at 1230. Caught a taxi from Highspeed station to Daimiao Temple (23 rmb).
Visited Daimiao for about one hour. It's excellent and a great way to start your Tai'an adventure. Like other reviewers having seen many temples in China, Daimiao is a bit different. More like a palace than a temple.
We decided we'd walk from Daimiao to top of Tai'shan. Perhaps channeling some emperor energy, although I suspect the old emperor was carried up in royal style. But I'd recommend walking from the temple as it's a laid out on the axis to be done that way with the north gate of of the Dai temple directly on to the axis road to Hongmen (Red Gate) and the start of the eastern track up Tai'shan. It's an easy 1.5 km wander from the temple to the Red Gate.
At Red Gate we bought our tickets. 100 rmb each (winter reduced price). And off we set.
We stopped at just about every temple heading up to Zhong Tian (Middle Gate). It took us 2 hours to walk it including stops. So while some might be a bit slower, reports of that route taking 3 to 4 hours must be going really slow.
It's quite a haul up to Zhong Tian all the same. And if you're feeling knackered on arrival there definitely take the cable car from Middle Gate to the top because the next half is even tougher with almost relentless stairs as the elevation goes up.
We made the next stage from Middle Gate to the top in about 2 hours as well. Although my legs were buggered by the top set of steps. The dreaded 18 bends and final set to the top are testing.
Overall we covered the 12km from Daimiao to Temple Top of Tai'shan in about 4 hours and 15 mins. Highly recommended to walk it if you can. It's a fab adventure. Stayed the night in the Yunchao Hotel on the tops and enjoyed a great sunrise. Walk down of course was much faster. About half the time to come up.
Bus from Red Gate back to high speed station costs 5 rmb each and takes about 30mins. K61 bus from memory.
I visited in early December. Officially winter, but it was not too cold only about 4 degrees in daytime. Here's our trip program from Beijing to Tai'shan for a 24 visit.
Left Beijing on G163 arrived Tai'an at 1230. Caught a taxi from Highspeed station to Daimiao Temple (23 rmb).
Visited Daimiao for about one hour. It's excellent and a great way to start your Tai'an adventure. Like other reviewers having seen many temples in China, Daimiao is a bit different. More like a palace than a temple.
We decided we'd walk from Daimiao to top of Tai'shan. Perhaps channeling some emperor energy, although I suspect the old emperor was carried up in royal style. But I'd recommend walking from the temple as it's a laid out on the axis to be done that way with the north gate of of the Dai temple directly on to the axis road to Hongmen (Red Gate) and the start of the eastern track up Tai'shan. It's an easy 1.5 km wander from the temple to the Red Gate.
At Red Gate we bought our tickets. 100 rmb each (winter reduced price). And off we set.
We stopped at just about every temple heading up to Zhong Tian (Middle Gate). It took us 2 hours to walk it including stops. So while some might be a bit slower, reports of that route taking 3 to 4 hours must be going really slow.
It's quite a haul up to Zhong Tian all the same. And if you're feeling knackered on arrival there definitely take the cable car from Middle Gate to the top because the next half is even tougher with almost relentless stairs as the elevation goes up.
We made the next stage from Middle Gate to the top in about 2 hours as well. Although my legs were buggered by the top set of steps. The dreaded 18 bends and final set to the top are testing.
Overall we covered the 12km from Daimiao to Temple Top of Tai'shan in about 4 hours and 15 mins. Highly recommended to walk it if you can. It's a fab adventure. Stayed the night in the Yunchao Hotel on the tops and enjoyed a great sunrise. Walk down of course was much faster. About half the time to come up.
Bus from Red Gate back to high speed station costs 5 rmb each and takes about 30mins. K61 bus from memory.
Written December 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Littlefengers
Seattle11 contributions
Jul 2014 • Solo
This took me about 3.5 hours to climb. If you're walking this during the summer, I recommend you start earlier in the morning (not later than 7). Make sure to tell the taxi driver you're going to hongmen (red door) or they'll drive you to the Zhong Dian bus stop where you take the busses.
If you want to burn a lot of incense, then buy them at the bottom where it's cheaper. They also provide some at the top for donation. Be sure to burn 3 at a time.
Expect to pay double the price towards the top. It is on par with US prices (at typical grocery stores). $1 for water vs $.50. $1.25 for cup of noodles.
If you walk past the antennas up top, you'll find some stairs leading down a different entrance. This is a great place to have lunch because not many people ever walk over here.
If you want to have more solitude climbing the steps, I recommend researching the alternate entrances/exits. There is 3 other ones (according to my Chinese uncle).
If you want to burn a lot of incense, then buy them at the bottom where it's cheaper. They also provide some at the top for donation. Be sure to burn 3 at a time.
Expect to pay double the price towards the top. It is on par with US prices (at typical grocery stores). $1 for water vs $.50. $1.25 for cup of noodles.
If you walk past the antennas up top, you'll find some stairs leading down a different entrance. This is a great place to have lunch because not many people ever walk over here.
If you want to have more solitude climbing the steps, I recommend researching the alternate entrances/exits. There is 3 other ones (according to my Chinese uncle).
Written July 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
janett1957
Vancouver, Canada186 contributions
Oct 2011 • Couples
This is another of those places we didn't really know much about, but it was part of our tour, and boy are we glad it was! We took the cable car to the top rather than brave the stairs, and the small village at the top is just incredible, as are the views! There are still the stairs to the top of the mountain, but they are more than worth the aching calves, as the buildings, sculptures and ruins are just incredible. There is a huge incense 'house' that just billows smoke, and small burners everywhere. The carved inscriptions in the rock walls are fabulous, and the two large walls near the top are amazing. This was truly an unexpected highlight of our trip. We loved it!
Written February 11, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LG_Kay
Singapore, Singapore7,512 contributions
Mar 2016 • Friends
The hike up Taishan can be divided into following 3 stages:
Stage 1 - Base of mountain to Zhong Tian Men (中天门 Mid Heaven Gate).
There are 2 options. Option 1: Hike from base, ie Hong Men (红门 Red Gate) to Zhong Tian Men. Entrance fee 127 rmb. This takes about 2 hours of stairs climbing.
Option 2: Head to Tain Wai Village (天外村). Then take a mini bus to Zhong Tian Men. Entrance fee 127 rmb, bus fare 30 rmb, bus journey 30 minutes.
My brother took option 1 and started 2 hours earlier. My colleague & I took option 2.
Stage 2 - Zhong Tian Men to Nan Tian Men (南天门 South Heaven Gate).
Again 2 options. Option 1: Continue hiking.
Option 2: Take a cable car, fee 100 rmb, single trip.
All 3 of us took option 1. We took slightly more than 2 hours. We stopped intermittently along the way for short breaks, took many photos and selfies,
admired the gigantic rocks with Chinese calligraphy engraved on them.
The initial section was quite gradual, but the latter section known as 18 pans (十八盘) was much steeper. It consisted of a few hundreds of stairs. After reading many Tripadvisors reviews, I was mentally prepared for the climb. I felt it wasn’t too difficult, nothing compared to the climb on Huangshan, Celestial Capital Peak (天都峰). Hence, fret not, it is achievable for anyone with a general level of fitness.
Stage 3 - Nan Tian Men to summit
This section is gradual, but still need to walk several hundred more steps before reaching the summit. Along the way, there were many food stalls, restaurants, shops selling souvenirs. We had our lunch at one of the restaurants. Price was 3 times more expensive, quantity and quality was pathetic. Suggest you pack your lunch or have it later back in the city.
We passed through the Bi Xia Temple (碧霞祠), then up to the Yu Huang Ting (玉皇顶 Jade Empress Pavilion). Inside the pavilion, look out for the stone height marker, indicating 1545m above sea level, at the summit.
General remarks:
1. There were many toilets along the route. However, the taps had no water. Imagine the stench! Hence, bring wet tissues or use some water from your water bottle.
2. There were plenty of stops along the way to buy water and snacks. Expect to pay more.
3. I visited during end Mar and was disappointed with the scenery. Majority of the trees were barren without any leaves. The entire landscape looked dry, without life. Strongly suggest you visit in later months such as May onwards. According to the locals, the landscape will be green by then.
4. Expect many locals hiking with you along the route, even during off peak season. Seeing locals, from the very young to the elderly, climbing this mountain will give you extra motivation that you can make it too. Indeed, You Never Walk Alone.
Stage 1 - Base of mountain to Zhong Tian Men (中天门 Mid Heaven Gate).
There are 2 options. Option 1: Hike from base, ie Hong Men (红门 Red Gate) to Zhong Tian Men. Entrance fee 127 rmb. This takes about 2 hours of stairs climbing.
Option 2: Head to Tain Wai Village (天外村). Then take a mini bus to Zhong Tian Men. Entrance fee 127 rmb, bus fare 30 rmb, bus journey 30 minutes.
My brother took option 1 and started 2 hours earlier. My colleague & I took option 2.
Stage 2 - Zhong Tian Men to Nan Tian Men (南天门 South Heaven Gate).
Again 2 options. Option 1: Continue hiking.
Option 2: Take a cable car, fee 100 rmb, single trip.
All 3 of us took option 1. We took slightly more than 2 hours. We stopped intermittently along the way for short breaks, took many photos and selfies,
admired the gigantic rocks with Chinese calligraphy engraved on them.
The initial section was quite gradual, but the latter section known as 18 pans (十八盘) was much steeper. It consisted of a few hundreds of stairs. After reading many Tripadvisors reviews, I was mentally prepared for the climb. I felt it wasn’t too difficult, nothing compared to the climb on Huangshan, Celestial Capital Peak (天都峰). Hence, fret not, it is achievable for anyone with a general level of fitness.
Stage 3 - Nan Tian Men to summit
This section is gradual, but still need to walk several hundred more steps before reaching the summit. Along the way, there were many food stalls, restaurants, shops selling souvenirs. We had our lunch at one of the restaurants. Price was 3 times more expensive, quantity and quality was pathetic. Suggest you pack your lunch or have it later back in the city.
We passed through the Bi Xia Temple (碧霞祠), then up to the Yu Huang Ting (玉皇顶 Jade Empress Pavilion). Inside the pavilion, look out for the stone height marker, indicating 1545m above sea level, at the summit.
General remarks:
1. There were many toilets along the route. However, the taps had no water. Imagine the stench! Hence, bring wet tissues or use some water from your water bottle.
2. There were plenty of stops along the way to buy water and snacks. Expect to pay more.
3. I visited during end Mar and was disappointed with the scenery. Majority of the trees were barren without any leaves. The entire landscape looked dry, without life. Strongly suggest you visit in later months such as May onwards. According to the locals, the landscape will be green by then.
4. Expect many locals hiking with you along the route, even during off peak season. Seeing locals, from the very young to the elderly, climbing this mountain will give you extra motivation that you can make it too. Indeed, You Never Walk Alone.
Written April 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julwis
Cambridge, UK21 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
As has been said, this is one of China's five sacred mountains, and after seeing Michael Palin climb it on Full Circle back in 1997, it has been on my list of places to visit. I got the chance recently when I was returning to Beijing from Xian. In hindsight, summer is probably not the best time of year to try climbing the mountain, but it made for a good overnight stay and was still achievable.
I arrived on a domestic overnight train at Taishan station and purchased one of the tourist maps on sale on the street for 5 RMB. I will provide directions for accessing the mountain from Tai'an high speed train terminal later. There are two ways up the mountain, along what is known as the Imperial Route named after the route taken by Emperors of old. One can walk from the Red Gate (Hong Men) or take the cable car from the Mid Heaven Gate (Zhong Tian Men). There is, I believe, a Western route, which is considered good for descending the mountain, but I didn't follow that. Details of that route are available on the tourist map, in Chinese.
From Taishan station, take bus K3 which runs between Hong Men terminus and Tian Wai Cun (Heavens Outer Village) terminus, via downtown. The fare is around 3 RMB or so. From Hong Men, one can begin hiking immediately. After passing through Hong Men, you then purchase a ticket for climbing the mountain (127 RMB as of July 2015, though slightly less during quieter seasons). The walk up to Zhong Tian Men takes between 2-4 hours depending on your fitness. Water is readily available from vendors along the way, and like everything else increases in price with altitude. Toilet facilities (Chinese only) are quite frequent, though can be quite grim. The steps on this stretch are fairly easy, though periodically the steps are quite narrow, especially for those with big feet like me, but one can ascend them by walking along their length, stepping up a step with each step. When you reach the Zhong Tian Men, there is a large rest stop, where it meets the roadhead for those ascending via Tian Wai Cun.
For those ascending via Tian Wai Cun, you must transfer to a coach, at Tian Wai Cun, which runs up the Taishan Rift Valley. The fare for this special coach is 300 RMB each way and links Tian Wai Cun with Zhong Tian Men. The ride takes around 30 minutes and offers great views when its clear.
From Zhong Tian Men, one can reach the Nan Tian Men (South Gate of Heaven), essentially the ridge of the mountain either by cable car (for 100 RMB each way) or continue walking up the Imperial Route. The steps become increasingly steep on this stretch but is still achievable within 2-4 hours.
The mountain itself has an estimated 6000 to 7200 steps, though the paths beyond Nan Tian Men probably account for a good 1000 of these spread across several routes to the summit, so estimates nearer 6000 steps are closer to the actual number up the mountain between Hong Men and Nan Tian Men.
When the Nan Tian Men is reached, one will find many shops lining the route to the summit which lies about another half mile or so beyond, and up several hundred more steps. The summit itself is probably missed by many, as it is located within Yu Huang temple above the Confucius and Bixia Temples. Once reached, it is obvious from the stone height marker, indicating 1545m AMSL.
Accommodation is available for those wishing to see the sunrise or sunset, and ranges from renting a warm coat and finding a sheltered spot to sleep through to a hotel room. Probably the best hotel on the summit (in terms of facilities), and certainly quite expensive (over £100 a night for a small double room), is the ShenQi. This is located quite near the summit, just above the Confucius temple, and offers fairly good albeit small rooms, with western facilities, as well as breakfast. One should be warned though that at the summit, the ShenQi hotel only heats water for showers between 8-11 pm in an evening. Food is available from a number of restaurants at the top though is quite expensive. From what I saw, the food on sale ranged from nang bread, and corn on the cob through to hot dogs and noodles.
The hotels also provide a wake up call for those wanting to see the sunrise. Cloud prevented me seeing any sunset or sunrise on my visit, so I just had a lie in. Breakfast in the ShenQi was between 6-8 am, so my lie in wasn't too long.
Since I hadn't found the Western route down the mountain, and didn't fancy descending the Imperial Route, I took the cable car down to Zhong Tian Men, and the bus back to Tian Wai Cun. From Tian Wai Cun, one can reach the Tai'an high speed train terminal (which is not the same as Taishan station) with links to both Beijing and Shanghai, by taking bus K37. The bus fare is around 4 RMB and takes about an hour. Tai'an is approximately mid way between Beijing and Shanghai, so both cities are about 2 hours away by high speed train.
All in all, well worth trying especially if one is looking for a more unusual challenge.
I arrived on a domestic overnight train at Taishan station and purchased one of the tourist maps on sale on the street for 5 RMB. I will provide directions for accessing the mountain from Tai'an high speed train terminal later. There are two ways up the mountain, along what is known as the Imperial Route named after the route taken by Emperors of old. One can walk from the Red Gate (Hong Men) or take the cable car from the Mid Heaven Gate (Zhong Tian Men). There is, I believe, a Western route, which is considered good for descending the mountain, but I didn't follow that. Details of that route are available on the tourist map, in Chinese.
From Taishan station, take bus K3 which runs between Hong Men terminus and Tian Wai Cun (Heavens Outer Village) terminus, via downtown. The fare is around 3 RMB or so. From Hong Men, one can begin hiking immediately. After passing through Hong Men, you then purchase a ticket for climbing the mountain (127 RMB as of July 2015, though slightly less during quieter seasons). The walk up to Zhong Tian Men takes between 2-4 hours depending on your fitness. Water is readily available from vendors along the way, and like everything else increases in price with altitude. Toilet facilities (Chinese only) are quite frequent, though can be quite grim. The steps on this stretch are fairly easy, though periodically the steps are quite narrow, especially for those with big feet like me, but one can ascend them by walking along their length, stepping up a step with each step. When you reach the Zhong Tian Men, there is a large rest stop, where it meets the roadhead for those ascending via Tian Wai Cun.
For those ascending via Tian Wai Cun, you must transfer to a coach, at Tian Wai Cun, which runs up the Taishan Rift Valley. The fare for this special coach is 300 RMB each way and links Tian Wai Cun with Zhong Tian Men. The ride takes around 30 minutes and offers great views when its clear.
From Zhong Tian Men, one can reach the Nan Tian Men (South Gate of Heaven), essentially the ridge of the mountain either by cable car (for 100 RMB each way) or continue walking up the Imperial Route. The steps become increasingly steep on this stretch but is still achievable within 2-4 hours.
The mountain itself has an estimated 6000 to 7200 steps, though the paths beyond Nan Tian Men probably account for a good 1000 of these spread across several routes to the summit, so estimates nearer 6000 steps are closer to the actual number up the mountain between Hong Men and Nan Tian Men.
When the Nan Tian Men is reached, one will find many shops lining the route to the summit which lies about another half mile or so beyond, and up several hundred more steps. The summit itself is probably missed by many, as it is located within Yu Huang temple above the Confucius and Bixia Temples. Once reached, it is obvious from the stone height marker, indicating 1545m AMSL.
Accommodation is available for those wishing to see the sunrise or sunset, and ranges from renting a warm coat and finding a sheltered spot to sleep through to a hotel room. Probably the best hotel on the summit (in terms of facilities), and certainly quite expensive (over £100 a night for a small double room), is the ShenQi. This is located quite near the summit, just above the Confucius temple, and offers fairly good albeit small rooms, with western facilities, as well as breakfast. One should be warned though that at the summit, the ShenQi hotel only heats water for showers between 8-11 pm in an evening. Food is available from a number of restaurants at the top though is quite expensive. From what I saw, the food on sale ranged from nang bread, and corn on the cob through to hot dogs and noodles.
The hotels also provide a wake up call for those wanting to see the sunrise. Cloud prevented me seeing any sunset or sunrise on my visit, so I just had a lie in. Breakfast in the ShenQi was between 6-8 am, so my lie in wasn't too long.
Since I hadn't found the Western route down the mountain, and didn't fancy descending the Imperial Route, I took the cable car down to Zhong Tian Men, and the bus back to Tian Wai Cun. From Tian Wai Cun, one can reach the Tai'an high speed train terminal (which is not the same as Taishan station) with links to both Beijing and Shanghai, by taking bus K37. The bus fare is around 4 RMB and takes about an hour. Tai'an is approximately mid way between Beijing and Shanghai, so both cities are about 2 hours away by high speed train.
All in all, well worth trying especially if one is looking for a more unusual challenge.
Written August 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Remarx
Singapore, Singapore103 contributions
Much has been said of the beauty of the site so instead I will share the mundane matter of getting up and down.
All visitors over 60 years old are entitled to discounted entry fee but must show passport as a foreigner. However there is no senior citizen discount on the bus fare or cable car.
There is a shuttle bus terminus at the entrance to the park. You buy your entry ticket and one way bus ticket. The bus ride is up a steep winding road for over 20 minutes. After alighting the bus those who plan to climb the paths and stairs up can set off. Those riding the cable car still need to walk maybe 400m uphill to the cable car base station.
You buy your rmb100 one way cable car ticket at the cable car base station. They do not sell return tickets. The ride is about 10 minutes. Each car seat up to 8.
When you alight the cable car there is still over one km to walk to the summit through streets with food stalls and shops selling usefull things like walking sticks and hats for as little as rmb10.
When you take the cable car down you purchase rmb100 ticket at the top station and return to the base station.
You walk downhill 400m to the bus station and buy your one way bus ticket down to park entrance for rmb32.
I notice there were some elderly ladies who would ask for the walking sticks from departing visitors. This allows them to eesell them to new arrivals.
All visitors over 60 years old are entitled to discounted entry fee but must show passport as a foreigner. However there is no senior citizen discount on the bus fare or cable car.
There is a shuttle bus terminus at the entrance to the park. You buy your entry ticket and one way bus ticket. The bus ride is up a steep winding road for over 20 minutes. After alighting the bus those who plan to climb the paths and stairs up can set off. Those riding the cable car still need to walk maybe 400m uphill to the cable car base station.
You buy your rmb100 one way cable car ticket at the cable car base station. They do not sell return tickets. The ride is about 10 minutes. Each car seat up to 8.
When you alight the cable car there is still over one km to walk to the summit through streets with food stalls and shops selling usefull things like walking sticks and hats for as little as rmb10.
When you take the cable car down you purchase rmb100 ticket at the top station and return to the base station.
You walk downhill 400m to the bus station and buy your one way bus ticket down to park entrance for rmb32.
I notice there were some elderly ladies who would ask for the walking sticks from departing visitors. This allows them to eesell them to new arrivals.
Written June 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Has anyone stayed on top of Mount Tai after climbing up? Just wondering if getting too tired and cannot come down on the same day whether it's easy to find accommodation up there.
Written November 23, 2019
Yes, there is hotel at the top of the Mount Tai. But actually don’t need to stay over unless you want to watch sun rise. You can choose to take cable car up & down. But the last part about 1500 stairs have to walk up to the peak. Or you can walk up & take cable car down (I will recommend this way).
Written November 24, 2019
chinatraveler2018
Qufu, China
Is it possible to visit Tai Shan from Qufu in one day?
Written April 29, 2018
Yes, it take about 1.5 hour’s by car from qufu to Taian. If you start early in the morning, you should have quite some time to enjoy Tai Shan.
Written April 30, 2018
This is urgent. I hear there are roadworks at the moment. I have a friend climbing in a few hours and has no idea what is and is not working, so any information will be greatly appreciated. Said the roadworks are on the first half of the hill and he doesnt know what is an dis not working.
Written September 26, 2017
There is always construction going on for new roads or facilities. Nevertheless you can still climb the mountain.
Written September 27, 2017
Is it possible to visit Tai Shan in one day from Beijing
Written July 28, 2017
Is it possible to climb Mt. Tai starting from the Tianzhu Peak Route, stay overnight at the top to watch the sunrise in the morning and then climb down via East/Imperial Route? Also is camping permitted on top?
Written June 16, 2017
yes possible. i don't think camping is permitted but there are many travellers' lodge to stay, it is better to stay in will room in case weather gets bad.
Written June 29, 2017
Has anyone climbed this mountain in December? I know it will be cold but has anyone got any advice?
Written October 26, 2016
yes. people do it all the time. if you don't plan to watch sun raise, you can plan a day trip. going up and down the same day. top of the mountain should not be too crowded in december. you should be able to find lodging on the mountain top. it may snow in december. watch out for slipery steps. Enjoy
Written October 26, 2016
how much is the cable car fee? how many people per cabin?
Written January 7, 2016
Oops - I didn't say the fee, as it was included in our private 2-day tour of Qufu and Taian tour, so do not know how much it was!
Written October 31, 2016
Thanks for taking the time to write such a in-depth review.
Is January a good time to visit Mount Tai?
If I take the bus to the mid-point and then take the cable car to the top, is there still a lot of walking or climbing steps?
Thanks again.
Written December 14, 2015
Hi
Im not sure of the weather at the summit in January, though as a rule on mountains the temperature can decrease 7 degrees C for every 1000m ascended, so the temperature at the summit will be around 10 degrees lower on average than at the base. At this height though, 1500m, you shouldnt experience any problems with the altitude.
As for steps at the summit, while there are a fair few after the Southern Heaven Gate (Nan tian men) they were spread out over the summit, so the most that youd encounter at any one time was around 1-200 at most... this is much less than the number encountered below the gate. The steps are still fairly steep but manageable, though Id advise going slow in icy or crowded conditions.
As with any mountain, the best advice is to be prepared and plan for the worst case. If the weather really gets too bad then the cable cars probably wont be running.
Have a good trip
Written December 16, 2015
Eugene F
Beijing, China
Hey, just read about a coach that charges 300 yuan from Tian Wai Cun to Zhong Tian Men during the ascent of Mount Tai, is it necessary to get this coach? Is there another route less costly and can one just continue their ascent as per normal? Gotta keep an eye on the money for this trip.
Written October 8, 2015
Hi,
There is a bus to the half way point, Zhong Tian Men, but you don't have to take it if you are willing to walk, which is what we did. We took a cab from our hotel, which we picked for relative proximity to Tai Shan, and then walked/hiked all the way from the bottom to the top. You can also walk all the way down but we took the cable car to Zhong Tian Men from the top and walked the rest of the way down. There is a bus stop at the base if you can figure out the buses and don't want to pay for a cab. No matter how you go up, you will need to pay the admission price, though. I also suggest having some Yuan to buy water on the way and bringing a handkerchief/small towel to wipe perspiration from your face/head. Good luck and have fun!
Written October 8, 2015
1. Are there lockers in the Tai an train station where you can leave a bag if you plan to hike up the mountain with just a backpack, and then return to the train station for a continuing journey?
2. Are there trains from Tai an to Shanghai, or do you have to go back through Beijing?
Written September 28, 2015
Showing results 1-10 of 10
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing